Club Drug Info

1. Top Clubbing Tips

In collaboration with Pulse Radio, The Loop's Fiona Measham and Chris Brady have put together a list of easy things we can all do to make partying and clubbing safer for everyone. The tips will also be made available in a number of other languages. Keep on scrolling for more detailed info on individual drugs.

2. Harm Reduction Guide

Drugs

Ecstasy/MDMA

Ecstasy/MDMA is a stimulant drug with euphoric and mildly hallucinogenic qualities. It became popular in the UK during the acid house and rave scenes of the late 1980s and early 1990s and has been a popular drug in dance clubs in the UK and elsewhere since then. It was first sold in tablet form with MDMA being the active ingredient but more recently people have buying MDMA crystal or powder due to its perceived higher purity than pills.

AKA

Legal status:

Class A drug. Maximum sentence for possession is 7 years and an unlimited fine. Maximum sentence for supply is life and an unlimited fine.

Effects:

Effects can be felt about 30-60 minutes after taking your first dose if swallowed but will be quicker if snorted and include:

Increased energy

Alertness

Euphoria

Increased Empathy

Heightened awareness of lights and sounds

Increased body temperature

Dehydration

Lack of coordination

Risks:

Dehydration

Heatstroke

In rare cases people have suffered heart attacks and strokes

Some people report feelings of depression, anxiety and lethargy for a few days after using ecstasy but these effects usually pass.

Harm reduction advice:

Be careful with your dose. Start with a low dose and give the drug time to take effect before redosing.

If dancing drink about a pint of water per hour to avoid dehydration but be careful not to drink too much. Some people have suffered problems from drinking too much water when taking ecstasy.

Take a break and chill out regularly to reduce the risk of heatstroke

If somebody is overheating, take them to a cool place, remove clothing and use water to try to cool them down.

If somebody collapses or becomes unresponsive after taking ecstasy put them in the recovery position and call for immediate medical assistance

Mephedrone

Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) is a stimulant drug which has effects comparable to MDMA and amphetamine. It is usually snorted or swallowed but more recently there have been reports of some users injecting mephedrone.

AKA

Legal Status:

Mephedrone is a class B drub. Maximum sentence for possession is 5 years and an unlimited fine, maximum sentence for supply is 14 years and an unlimited fine.

Effects:

Mephedrone is similar to a short lasting amphetamine and include:

Increased energy

Talkative

Increased empathy

Increased heart rate

Muscle clenching

Anxiety

Paranoia

Risks

Mephedrone has been described as a contributing factor in a number of deaths, especially when taken in high doses or mixed with other drugs.

Depression/anxiety

Heatstroke

Dehydration

Heart/Organ failure

Harm reduction advice:

Be careful with your dose. Start with a low dose and give the drug time to take effect before redosing.

Take regular breaks from dancing to avoid heatstroke.

Drink water, no more than a pint an hour, to avoid dehydration.

Avoid mixing mephedrone with other drugs.

Take it with people you know and trust.

If somebody collapses after taking mephedrone put them in the recovery position and call for medical assistance

Cocaine

The coca plant grows naturally in mountainous areas of South America. The leaves of the plant have been chewed by indigenous populations for thousands of years to combat the effects of living and working at high altitudes. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug with anaesthetic qualities which is synthesized from coca leaves. It comes in 2 forms; powder (cocaine hydrochloride) and crack (cocaine freebase). It is a short lasting and potentially addictive drug with some regular users reporting intense psychological cravings to use cocaine.

Cocaine powder is the alkaline produced when the coca leaf is processed. Its use is widespread and is usually taken in pubs, clubs and party settings although social use can escalate into problem use for some people. It is usually snorted although some people do inject it.

Crack cocaine is produced when cocaine powder is processed (or “washed”) using ammonia or sodium bicarbonate. This forms rocks or stones which are a purer form of cocaine which has been freed from its base state (freebase) and can be smoked. When smoked it takes effects almost immediately but the effects are relatively short lasting which can lead users to experience an intense desire to use more. While cocaine powder use is found across society crack cocaine use is usually found in more disadvantaged groups and the social effects of crack use can be devastating for families and communities.

AKA

Legal Status:

Cocaine (in both forms) is a Class A drug. Maximum sentence for possession is 7 years and an unlimited fine. Maximum sentence for supply is life and an unlimited fine.

Effects:

Cocaine powder is usually snorted and takes effect about 5 -10 minutes afterwards. The effects include:

Increased confidence

Increased energy

Euphoria

A feeling of power

Sexual arousal

Palpitations

Anxiety

Aggression (Especially when mixed with alcohol)

Risks:

Dependence/ addiction.

Nasal damage (some people have needed surgery to repair the damage done to their nose through excessive snorting of cocaine)

Heart failure

Overheating

Paranoia/ Aggression

Psychosis

There is a risk of contracting blood borne viruses such as Hepatitis C through the sharing of snorting paraphernalia

Crack cocaine (Freebase)

Crack cocaine is usually smoked although it is sometimes injected. Smoking produces a quick and intense high although the effects do not last long, leading users to want to redose to maintain their high and avoid a “comedown”.

AKA

Effects:

Intense initial rush followed by crash or comedown

Euphoria

Increased confidence

Alertness

Increased Energy

Paranoia

Palpitations

Aggression

Risks:

Addiction

Lung damage (Crack Lung)

Heart failure

Overheating

Paranoia/Aggression

Psychosis

Harm reduction advice:

If snorting cocaine powder, use your own note or tube and don’t share this with anyone.

Rinse your nostrils with clean water between snorts to reduce the risk of nasal damage.

Try to avoid mixing with alcohol. People are more likely to become paranoid or aggressive when the two drugs are combined and there are greater strains on internal organs such as the heart. There are also concerns that a third compound, called cocaethylene, produced when cocaine and alcohol mix in the body adds further strain to internal organs.

If smoking crack use a glass pipe rather than an aluminium can to smoke.

Avoid using too regularly.

Be aware of your use. If you are beginning to find it difficult to contemplate a night out without cocaine it’s probably time to take a break or seek professional advice.

As with all drugs, if someone collapses after taking cocaine put them in the recovery position and call for medical assistance.

Amphetamine

Amphetamine sulphate is a stimulant drug and usually comes on the form of powder or a higher purity paste. There was large scale usage during the Second World War when soldiers were given amphetamine tablets to keep them awake and alert for longer. After the war amphetamines were widely prescribed for depression and weight loss and crossed over into recreational use. Amphetamines have been linked to many youth and music scenes from rock’n’roll to punk and rave.

AKA

Legal Status:

Amphetamine Sulphate is a Class B drug unless it is prepared for injection in which case it becomes a Class A drug. Class B drugs carry a maximum sentence of 5 years and an unlimited fine for possession and up to 14 years and an unlimited fine for supply.

Effects:

If swallowed the drug takes effect in about half an hour. If snorted or injected it takes effect much more quickly. Effects include:

Increased energy

Increased alertness

Agitation

Euphoria

Increased chattiness

Raised blood pressure

Constricted blood vessels

Dilated Pupils

Insomnia

Mood swings

A comedown which may last for several days

Risks:

Heart problems

Dehydration

Anxiety/ Paranoia

Physical and psychological dependence

Psychosis

Harm reduction advice:

As with all illegal drugs, there is no quality control and one batch of amphetamines will probably vary in strength from another. Therefore it is better to start with a small amount and wait for the effects before considering redosing.

If you are using amphetamines in a dance environment sip water regularly (no more than a pint an hour) and take regular breaks from the dancefloor.

Try not to use too regularly to reduce the risks of physical and psychological dependence.

Use with friends or people you know and trust

If snorting, rinse your nose with clean water regularly to reduce the risk of nasal damage.

GHB/GBL

GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutuyric acid) is found naturally in the body and GHB bought on the street is the same chemical. GBL (Gamma-butyrolactone) is an industrial solvent which converts to GHB in the body. The effects of the 2 drugs are pretty much identical. GHB/GBL is a central nervous depressant with some stimulant effects in lower doses, as with alcohol.

AKA

Legal Status:

Class C drug. Maximum sentence for possession is 2 years and an unlimited fine. Maximum sentence for supply is 14 years and an unlimited fine.

Effects:

In lower doses the effects are not dissimilar to alcohol and include:

Feeling relaxed

Reduced inhibitions

Feeling chatty

Increased sexual feelings

Confusion

In higher doses the depressant effects of the drug become more pronounced and include:

Increased confusion

Vomiting

Collapse and coma

Risks:

Addiction/dependence

Overdose (the line between an active dose and a dose which is sufficient for somebody to overdose is a fine one, and easily crossed, especially by inexperienced users)

Dangerous sexual activity

Accidents and falls

Sexual assault

Hard Reduction Advice:

Try to avoid mixing with other drugs, especially depressant drugs such as alcohol as this increases the chance of overdose.

Be aware of your dose. It is very easy to use too much GHB/GBL and the dose needs to be carefully measured

Use with people you know and trust. There have been several reports of being being sexually assaulted after taking GHB/GBL. Due to its disinhibiting effects you are more likely to make decisions you might later regret.

Ketamine

Ketamine (Ketamine hydrochloride) is a dissociative or sedative drug which has been used in children’s and veterinary medicine. It also has mildly hallucinogenic properties. It is usually bought as a fine white powder which is usually snorted.

AKA

Legal Status:

Ketamine is a Class C drug although this is currently under review. Maximum sentence for possession is 2 years and an unlimited fine. Maximum sentence for supply is 14 years and an unlimited fine.

Effects:

Ketamine is what is known as a dissassociative anaesthetic which gives users a sense of detachment from their body and surroundings and the effects include:

Feeling light and bouncy

Dizziness

Delusions

Visual hallucinations

Vomiting (Especially if combined with alcohol)

In higher doses users can experience what is known as the K Hole. In this state people can come across as unresponsive whist at the same time experiencing vivid hallucinations

Be careful how much you use. The K Hole can be a very disturbing experience, especially if you take ketamine in a busy environment such as a nightclub or festival.

Try not to use too often. People have reported dependence to ketamine and you can very quickly build up a tolerance which means you will need more of the drug to get the same effect.

If you develop persistent cystitis, ‘K-pains’ or other bladder/urinary tract problems seek medical advice and do not take ketamine to reduce the painful symptoms as this could make the condition worse.

Try to use in a calm and safe environment with people you know and trust.

If snorting, clean your nostrils with clean water regularly.

Avoid mixing with other drugs, especially depressants such as alcohol.

If someone collapses or becomes unresponsive after taking ketamine put them in the recovery position and call for medical assistance

Cannabis

Cannabis is a psychoactive plant which has been used in many cultures for thousands of years. It is a mildly hallucinogenic depressant drug although in lower doses and depending on the user, people may experience some stimulant-type effects, as with other depressant drugs. It is generally found in 3 forms, herbal cannabis includes the leaves and stems of the cannabis plant, skunk refers to the unfertilized buds of the female plant and hash is the processed resin of the cannabis plant. More rarely, cannabis oil can be found.

There are 2 active compounds in cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)and Cannabiniol. The relative amounts of the 2 compounds found in any given strain will determine the strength.

Cannabis is usually smoked in a cigarette rolled with tobacco (spliff/joint) and can be smoked in a pipe or bong. It can also be eaten or inhaled using a vaporizer

AKA

Legal Status:

Cannabis is a Class B drug. Maximum sentence for possession is 5 years and an unlimited fine. Maximum sentence for supply is 14 years and an unlimited fine.

Effects:

The effects of cannabis vary greatly depending on the strain used, how it is used and the person using it. The main effects of cannabis are:

Feeling drowsy

Happiness

Pleasant confusion

Increased appreciation of art and music

Mild auditory and visual hallucinations (pleasant or not)

Giggles

Hunger (Munchies)

Anxiety

Paranoia

Dry mouth

Red eyes

Palpitations

Nausea and Vomiting (Whitey)

Risks

Accidents and falls

Anxiety

Paranoia

Cannabis Psychosis

Lung damage

Cancer

Relapse of pre existing mental health conditions

Psychological dependence

Staying Safe:

Cannabis is carcinogenic, as is tobacco. Inhaling cannabis through a vaporizer will expose your lungs to less damage as the active compounds vaporize without causing smoke to be inhaled.

Try not to smoke daily; this will increase your chances of developing lung problems or a psychological dependence

Cannabis can be very demotivating for some people. Don’t use if you are busy or have a deadline to meet.

Don’t drive after smoking cannabis.

If you are somebody who is pre disposed to suffering from anxiety or hearing voices and these conditions get worse after smoking then you probably need to reconsider your cannabis use.

Try to use with people you know and trust to reduce your chances of experiencing anxiety/ panic attacks.

LSD

LSD (d- lysergic acid diethylamide) is a powerful hallucinagenic drug which was first discovered by the chemist Albert Hoffman in 1943. It is usually found as a small, square piece of paper which has been dipped in LSD. It became very popular in the hippy and psychedelic movements of the 1960s and was immortalized in the writings of people such as Aldous Huxley and Timothy Leary. More recently a new synthetic substance known as BOM25 has appeared which is similar in potency and effects to LSD.

AKA

Legal Status:

LSD is a Class A drug. Maximum sentence for possession is 7 years and an unlimited fine. Maximum sentence for supply is life and an unlimited fine.

Effects:

The effects of LSD vary greatly depending on factors such as the environment in which it is taken, the mood of the person taking the drug and the dose taken. The main reported effects of LSD include:

Intense visual hallucinations

Auditory hallucinations

Distortion of perceptions of reality

Distortions of time

Synesthesia (Seeing sounds, tasting colours etc)

While the hallucinations brought on by taking LSD can be enjoyable, funny and even profound, there is a risk that users will experience disturbing and frightening hallucinations and lose touch with reality

Risks:

Bad Trips. For some people, taking LSD can be a frightening and disturbing experience

Accidents while intoxicated

Flashbacks. Some people report experiencing hallucinations similar to those brought on by LSD, sometimes many years after taking the drug

Harm reduction advice:

There are few, if any, physical dangers linked to LSD (apart from accidents). You can limit your chances of experiencing a distressing psychological reaction to LSD by following some simple steps:

Take a low dose. Trips can last up to 12 hours and once you have taken the drug you won’t know how strong it is until the effects begin to come on.

Use with people you know, trust and feel comfortable with.

Don’t use if you are worried or depressed, this will increase your chances of experiencing a “bad trip”

Try to use LSD in a calm, safe environment, especially if you are new to LSD.

Consider having a friend along who isn’t using. They will be able to offer comfort and support to somebody experiencing a bad trip.

If somebody becomes distressed after taking LSD and can’t be calmed by talking to them in a calm and supportive manner consider requesting medical treatment.

New Psychoactive substances (NPS) / Legal Highs

New Psychoactive substances (NPS) have become popular in recent years for people looking to experience new drugs or take substances which aren’t banned under the Misuse of Drugs Act. They were formally known as ‘legal highs’ but this is not an accurate description of the substances available as tests have shown that many so called ‘legal highs’ actually contain illegal substances. They are available on line and through head shops and stalls at festivals. NPS’s can generally be separated into 2 categories: stimulant-type pills and powders, and cannabis-type smoking materials.

Legal Status:

The laws surrounded NPS are complicated and the authorities are continually adapting to respond to rapid developments amongst manufacturers and retailers. In an attempt to control NPS the UK government have recently introduced Temporary Class Drug Orders which allow time for evidence to be collected about possible physical and social harms. During this time it is illegal to supply any substance subject to a Temporary Class Drug Order but possession is not illegal. However, the chances are that if you are found with a white powder by the police you will most likely be arrested and bailed while the substance is tested for any illegal compounds. Effects differ widely.

1. Pills and Powders.

Generally speaking pills and powders are either stimulants, hallucinogenic or a mix of the two. It is very difficult to verify the content and strength of many of these substances and it is not uncommon for drugs that are marketed as legal to be found to contain illegal substances.

Effects:

Pills and Powders’ effects mirror those of the more established illegal drugs and include:

Increased Heart Rate

Energy

Confidence

Hallucinations

Talkativeness

Anxiety

Paranoia

Risks:

It is important to note that for some of these substances only a tiny dose is needed to get the desired effect and it is easy to take too much. For example, users of “Ivory Wave” have reported psychotic episodes lasting days. It is also worth noting that there have been very few opportunities to study these substances in humans or animals and so we have no idea about the potential long term dangers. Other risks include:

Heart/ organ failure.

Overheating

Psychosis

Paranoia

Chest Pain

Delusions

Vomitting

Unconsciousness

2. Cannabis-type smoking mixtures (synthetic cannabinoids)

Synthetic cannabis-type smoking mixtures tend to be smokeable plant matter that has been sprayed with a psychoactive chemical. The active dose needed is tiny and it is very easy to use too much. Some people have reported severe physical and psychological reactions to these products.

Effects:

The effects of these products, both positive and negative can be similar to cannabis and include:

Relaxation

Drowsiness

Chattiness

Hunger

Anxiety

Paranoa

Risks:

Paranoia

Anxiety

Psychosis

Breathing difficulties

Skin Rashes

Heart problems

Unconsciousness

Harm reduction advice:

Many professionals in the drugs field offer general advice about NPS. For instance, if the substance is sold as a stimulant (such as Benzo Fury or Gocaine) then the advice offered will be similar to advice offered around the safer use of ecstasy or cocaine.

Be careful with your dose. For some NPS the effective dose is very small.

Research your choice of NPS before you use it. There are many internet message boards where people discuss the relative merits and disadvantages of a wide range of NPS. But remember, information found on message boards cannot be verified for accuracy.

Try to use with people you know or trust.

If somebody becomes unwell after taking an NPS seek urgent medical attention. If you can, make sure you tell the medics what the person has taken and if there is any left or an empty package ensure that this is passed on so that appropriate treatment can be given.

Volatile Substances

The term volatile substance relates to many household or industrial items such as aerosols, glue or cleaning products. The term volatile means they evaporate at room temperature and the vapours inhaled.

AKA

Aka:

Glue

Gas

Butane

Legal Status:

It is illegal to sell lighter refill fluid to anyone under the age of 18. It is also illegal to sell somebody a volatile substance if you believe they are going to inhale it.

Effects:

Intoxication

Slurred speech

Confusion

Disinhibitation

Risks:

Oxygen Starvation

Acne

Sores around the mouth

Sudden Death

Staying Safe:

It is difficult to offer credible harm reduction advice on the use of volatile substances. This is because most of the deaths associated with volatile substances have resulted from sudden cardiac arrest. However, if you intend to use volatile substances try the following:

Be aware of what you are inhaling. Many volatile substances are harmful and will irritate your respiratory system.

Try not to use alone.

If somebody becomes unwell after using a volatile substance seek immediate medical attention.

Magic Mushrooms (Psilocybin Mushrooms)

There are over 180 species of mushrooms containing Psilocybin found in the world today. They are commonly known as “magic mushrooms” and are taken for their hallucinogenic effects, with Psilocybin being the magic ingredient. They grow in the wild and some people grow them at home. When taken, the effects begin within 10-60 minutes and last for 4-6 hours.

AKA

Legal Status:

Magic mushrooms are a class A drug. Maximum sentence for possession is 14 years and an unlimited fine, maximum sentence for supply is life imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Effects:

The effects of magic mushrooms depend on factors such as the environment in which they are taken, the amount used and the mood of the person taking them. Effects include:

Intense visual hallucinations

Auditory hallucinations

Distortions of perceptions of reality

Distortions of time

Dilated pupils

Stomach cramps

Nausea

Unpleasant and sometimes frightening hallucinations

Risks:

Accidents (when intoxicated)

Confusion

Anxiety

Unpleasant or “bad” trips

Poisoning (If the wrong type of mushroom is picked and consumed)

Flashbacks

Harm reduction advice:

Start with a low dose. Trips can last for hours and once you have taken the drug you won’t know how strong it is until the effects begin to be felt.

Use with people you know, trust and feel comfortable with.

Don’t use if you are worried or depressed, this will increase your chances of experiencing a “bad trip”

Try to use magic mushrooms in a calm, safe environment, especially if you are new to them.

Consider having a friend along who isn’t using. They will be able to offer comfort and support to somebody experiencing a bad trip.

If somebody becomes distressed after taking magic mushrooms and can’t be calmed by talking to them in a calm and supportive manner consider requesting medical treatment.

Nicotine

Tobacco (Nicotiano tabacum) was first brought to Europe five centuries ago. It is a short acting stimulant which is usually smoked in cigarettes, pipes or cigars although other forms of tobacco include chewing tobacco and snuff, which is powdered tobacco.

AKA

Legal Status:

Tobacco products can be bought legally by anyone aged 18 or over. It is now illegal to smoke in most enclosed public spaces such as pubs, clubs, shops and offices.

Effects:

Nicotine affects people differently depending on if they are a novice or experienced smoker.

For the inexperienced, smoking can be an unpleasant experience causes dizziness and nausea along with a mild, light headed buzz.

Someone who has been smoking for longer and might be addicted will probably experience cravings to smoke. When these cravings have been satisfied by smoking the smoker might report feelings of calm, relaxation and focus. It is important to remember that when experiencing cravings a person is in a heightened state of stress and smoking is merely a relief of these cravings rather than a relaxing or calming activity in itself.

Risks:

The health risks associated with smoking are very well documented and include:

Asthma

Cancer

Cardiovascular disease

Deep vein thrombosis

Addiction

High blood pressure

Erectile disfunction

Harm reduction advice:

There is no safe way to smoke but there are products available to help a smoker quit while attempting to minimize the unpleasant cravings. These include nicotine patches, lozenges, gums and inhalators. These products can help to minimize cravings, allowing a person to change their behaviours which are linked to smoking to give themselves a better chance of quitting for good.

More recently, Electronic cigarettes have come onto the market. These products give a vaporized puff of nicotine without containing the carcinogenic chemicals produced when tobacco is burned. These products are relatively new and there has not been too much research done on them but it is thought that they may be a less harmful alternative to smoking tobacco.

Alcohol

Alcohol (ethyl alcohol, ethanol) is a depressant drug found in thousands of drinks which can vary from about 4% to 60% in strength. It is one of the oldest known drugs in existence and has been used by different cultures for thousands of years.

Legal status:

In the UK it is legal to buy alcohol over the age of 18 in pubs, clubs and other licensed premises.

Effects:

The effects of alcohol are dependent on many factors, including the amount consumed, the environment in which it is taken and the person who is taking it.

In lower doses drinkers may feel:

Relaxed

Chatty

More animated

More social

Giddy

In higher doses drinkers might experience:

A lack of coordination

Impaired memory

Poor judgement

Some people might become more emotional or aggressive after drinking alcohol.

Risks:

In the short term risks can involve:

Accidents or falls

Arguments or fights

Unsafe sexual practice

Nausea and sickness

Dehydration (leading to hangover)

If used in large enough quantities alcohol can cause death due to its toxicity.

Longer term risks can be:

Physical and psychological dependence

Increased risks of a range of cancers

Liver damage

Diabetes

Harm reduction advice:

The government recommend that an adult male should not consume more than 3-4 units a day and an adult female 2-3 units a day. A pint of 5% lager contains 2.8 units.

Try not to drink daily, this increases your risk of dependence. Try to have at least 2 alcohol free days a week.

Know who you’re drinking with and have a plan for getting home safely.

Try to alternate between alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks on a night out.

If somebody collapses or passes out after drinking put them in the recovery position and call for medical assistance. Stay with them until you know they are safe.

Mental Health

Our mental health is just as important to our overall well being as our physical health. Many people at some point in their lives experience some difficultly with their mental health, whether it is is a ‘down’ day, learning to cope with bereavement or some other significant trauma, to long term conditions such as depression and post traumatic stress disorder. Whatever is bothering you there is lots of help and support available in a setting and place that works for you. For a long time there has been a stigma attached to people with mental health problems but this is at last starting to change and there is now more understanding about the causes of mental health problems and the people who experience them, which can be any one of us at any point in our lives.

There are things that everyone can do to protect their mental health, whether they are already experiencing a mental health difficulty or just trying to protect themselves from having any difficulties in the future. Below are some simple tips that can aid your mental health if you aim to incorporate them into everyday life.

Exercise – any form of exercise can be beneficial not only to your physical health but your mental health too. When you exercise your body releases different chemicals into your brain which are your body’s natural happy chemicals which help to raise your mood.

Food – different foods can affect your mood in different ways. Sugar, both eaten and your blood sugar levels, are linked to mood swings, and different vitamin and mineral deficiencies can be linked to some mental health problems. It is more important than ever to consider what you eat and how it can impact on you. Eating regular healthy meals can aid mental health.

Talking – this might sound like a simple thing to do but it can be a real help to talk to someone about how you are feeling. This can be a friend, family member or professional, but just talking about the problem is a good form of release and the understanding of someone else can be a great support.

Relaxation – Everyone needs time to chill, from enjoying a long hot bath, reading your favourite book or if you’re lucky enough, a nice massage. It’s important to take time for yourself. The benefits can be enormous: giving your body and mind chance to slow down, relax and giving you space and energy to tackle the challenges ahead.

Laugh – This may sound like a hard thing to do especially when you’re feeling down but it’s scientifically proven that laughing can help your mental health. It lowers certain stress and anxiety hormones in the brain and even calms and relaxes the brain in the process. So share a joke with a friend, watch your favourite funny TV programme or just remember a funny situation and you’ll be laughing and reaping the rewards.

Getting support – There is now more support available than ever, from going to see someone 1-2-1 or in a group to online counselling and assistance. Whatever the problem there is someone out there willing and waiting to help you.

Sexual Health

Taking drugs and alcohol can alter your perception or lowers your inhibitions, which may mean that you decide to do things you normally would not choose to do, and if you do have sex you may be much less likely to use contraception. But whether you’re under the influence or not if you do not use a condom you are at greater risk of catching a STI (Sexual Transmitted Infection).

When people talk about STI’s what are they really talking about and what does it mean to you?

Below we have given you some information about some of the most common STI’s in the UK.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most widespread STI in the UK, and approximately 1 in 10 young people are carrying or have had the infection. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can be passed from person to person via vaginal, anal and oral sex and a lot of people may not even know they have the infection as some people do not get any symptoms at all. If you do experience symptoms these may range from:

White, cloudy or watery discharge from the penis or vagina

Pain or bleeding during or after sex

Pain whilst weeing

Bleeding between periods or heavier periods

Painful swelling of the testicles

The only way to know if you have got chlamydia or not is to be tested. At the bottom of this page are details of where you can get this done. If you do have a positive test don’t worry: if caught early it’s easily treated with a course of anti-biotic’s and in most case’s it leaves no long term damage. But what happens if you don’t get a test and have the chlamydia infection? If left it can cause lots of problems both now and in the long term, including eventually infertility.

Genital Warts

Genital warts are the second most common STI with 75,615 new case’s being diagnosed in 2010 at GUM (genito-urinary) clinc’s. They are caused by a viral skin infection which causes unsightly growths, bumps or changes in and around the genitals. They are usually painless and don’t cause a serious threat to your health. You don’t need to have sex to catch them as they are passed through skin to skin contact, so any skin contact with someone who is infected can spread the virus, and in some cases it can take up to a year after being infected for the signs to show. There are lots of different treatments for genital warts from creams to cryotherapy (freezing them off).

Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes are caused by the herpes simplex virus the same virus that gives you cold sores. Type 1 are the ones people get on their mouths and Type 2 are the ones people get on their genitals, which causes swollen painful blisters. It can be spread during any form of sexual contact including vaginal, anal and oral. Once infected with the herpes virus people have it for life and can have many break outs of the blisters for years. About 8 in 10 people who have the herpes virus don’t know it as they may have experienced none or few initial symptoms. Trigger factors for an outbreak include stress or feeling run down. There are anti-viral medications available from doctors to help control these outbreaks after being diagnosed.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is caused by a bacterial infection which can be found in the fluids in the vagina or penis. It can be passed by any form of sexual contact and by sharing sex toys that haven’t be properly washed or protected with a condom. Again a lot of people who do have the infection don’t know it. 1-10 men and around half of women don’t display any symptoms but these can include an unusual discharge, pain whilst weeing and if you’re a woman bleeding between periods. If left untreated gonorrhoea can cause inflammation and pain in and around the infected area including painful erections for men, pelvic inflammatory disease in woman and possible infertility in both sexes.

HIV and AIDS

HIV and AIDS is for most people one of the most frightening STI’s as there is still no cure, but advances in medicine mean a lot of infected people are living long and health lives. HIV is a virus know as Human Immunodeficiency Virus which attacks the central nervous system so you struggle to fight off other desises and infections. AIDS is the final stage of the infection and at this point the body would be unable to fight off life threatening illnesses. The virus lives in different bodily fluids blood, seaman, virginal fluids, breast milk and inside the anus. It can also be found in saliva but can’t be caught through kissing alone. 95% of people who are diagnosed in the UK contracted the virus through some form of sexual contact. If you think you have come into contact with the infection you should seek medical advice immediately.

Testing

For all sexual transmitted infections the sooner a test is done and treatment given the better and today there are more options than ever to get a test done. There are local sexual health clinic’s that will be able to give you a host of information and support, your GP and there are even available in some areas postal test kits for certain STI’s. Most STI’s can be effectively treated and managed if you go and seek medical support. Getting checked out once a year or every time you change sexual partner is best but he only way to protect against STI’s is to use a condom!

Crime & Violence

Pubs, clubs and festivals can be great fun but also potentially dangerous places because of large crowds gathering together, with lots of people under the influence of alcohol or drugs, where perceptions can be distorted, inhibitions reduced and minor tensions easily escalate. In the UK about one in five violent crimes occurs in or near pubs and clubs, with younger people more likely to be a victim of violence than older people and a large minority of both victims and offenders likely to have been drinking. A recent survey by Mixmag/the Guardian found that one in five recreational drug users have been taken advantage of after drinking or taking drugs, with women and 16-20 year olds more vulnerable to attack.

So follow these simple tips to stay safe:

Look after your friends. If you arrive together, leave together, and if for any reason you get split up, make sure you check that they got home safely;

It might sound like a bad idea when it comes from your parents but let someone else know where you are going and when you will be back. If not your parents then a friend.

Remember to save some money to get back home, for a taxi or public transport;

Always use a registered taxi. Never get in a private car if a stranger stops and offers to give you a lift home;

If walking through the streets at night, stay in busier and better lit places, even if it means taking a slightly longer route. Walk tall – more confident people are less likely to be assaulted.

Be discreet with your money and belongings. Electronic equipment makes easy pickings so be careful with your MP3 player, smart phone, tablet and camera and preferably keep them in a zipped pocket or compartment of your bag. If you flash the cash, you are more likely to attract the attentions of someone who wants to grab it;

Think twice about when you listen to your MP3 in the street – not only is it an attractive target to thieves, it might make you less likely to hear someone approaching you;

Take extra care when using cash machines – it is easy access money for thieves as well as you;

If you are planning to drink or take drugs, take extra care in planning your night out beforehand as your decision making and judgement may become a bit fuzzy later on;

A mobile phone is stolen every 3 minutes in the UK. You could keep an old mobile phone to use with your key contact programmed into it that you can take out at night so it doesn’t matter if it gets lost, stolen or dropped down the toilet, or worse, the festival Portaloo (oh yes it happens)!